A bit of austerity will do our children good

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Parents may suffer in hard times but youngsters can learn about self-reliance and freedom

Ah, austerity Britain. It’s back to the 1950s. But this isn’t about the happy return of cupcakes, sturdy bicycles, variety shows, yoyos and allotments, it’s about making do, scrimping, saving and holding back.

The whole country is going to feel the pain of the Budget. As taxes rise and departments start to slash a quarter of their budgets, Britain will become more dingy and dreary. There will be more potholes, more prefabs, more rainy seaside holidays and more queueing for public services. It’s going to be harsh: we aren’t used to delayed gratification or stoicism any more. And unlike postwar